BALINEWSID.COM, JAKARTA — A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Saturday (August 15, 2026), killing at least 14 people and damaging dozens of buildings, according to the latest data released by Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

The earthquake occurred at 4:58:24 a.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB). As of 12:30 p.m. WIB, BNPB reported that 14 people had died, two suffered serious injuries and 11 others sustained minor injuries.

BNPB stressed that the figures remain provisional as authorities continue collecting, verifying and validating information in the affected areas.

The fatalities were reported in three districts: three in Sikka, six in Manggarai and five in East Manggarai. Injuries were reported in Sikka, Nagekeo, Manggarai and East Manggarai.

The disaster also affected around five families, while approximately 2,000 residents were evacuated or sought shelter independently following the powerful tremor and an initial tsunami warning.

Dozens of Homes Damaged

BNPB reported that at least 74 houses were damaged, including 54 heavily damaged homes, nine moderately damaged homes and 11 lightly damaged homes.

Several public facilities were also affected, including five health facilities, one educational facility, one Bulog warehouse, three places of worship and six government offices.

Manggarai was among the hardest-hit areas, with 29 houses heavily damaged, nine moderately damaged and nine lightly damaged. Five health facilities and one educational facility were also damaged.

In East Manggarai, 23 houses were reported heavily damaged.

Meanwhile, Nagekeo recorded damage to two heavily damaged houses, one moderately damaged house and two lightly damaged houses. Two places of worship sustained minor damage, while five government offices were also affected.

Traffic congestion was reported in parts of Nagekeo, while electricity remained disrupted.

Earthquake Centered Offshore

The main earthquake was centered offshore at 8.41 degrees South latitude and 121.39 degrees East longitude, at a depth of 15 kilometers, approximately 38 kilometers northeast of Mbay in Nagekeo Regency.

Strong shaking was felt for around one minute in Nagekeo, Sikka, West Manggarai and Bima City. Tremors were also felt in parts of South Sulawesi, including Jeneponto, the Selayar Islands and Maros.

The earthquake initially triggered a tsunami warning. The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), together with the Indonesian Military (TNI), National Police (Polri) and other agencies, directed residents in coastal areas to evacuate to higher ground.

However, sea-level observations showed no further significant and dangerous rise in water levels. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) subsequently ended the tsunami warning at 7:31:30 a.m. WIB.

At least four aftershocks ranging from magnitude 5.5 to 6.2 were recorded following the main earthquake. None of the aftershocks had the potential to trigger a tsunami.

Emergency Needs

BPBD, the TNI, Polri, local governments and other relevant agencies are continuing rapid assessments, casualty and damage data collection, and emergency response operations.

In Manggarai, authorities have identified urgent needs including 15 evacuation tents, 12 command-post tents, 20 platoon tents, 30 tons of rice, medicines, 1,000 folding beds, 1,000 blankets, 1,000 sleeping mats, 500 kitchen equipment packages, 12 water tanks with a capacity of 2,200 liters each, 10 generators with a capacity of 5 KVA, 10 handheld radios and 100 flashlights.

BNPB urged residents to remain calm and avoid unverified information.

Residents were also advised to stay away from cracked or damaged buildings because aftershocks could still occur and further weaken structures.

BNPB urged people living in coastal areas to continue monitoring official information from the government and BMKG. Although the tsunami warning has ended, residents are advised to remain vigilant against possible aftershocks and other hazards caused by earthquake damage.

The number of casualties and extent of damage remain subject to further updates as BNPB, BPBD and other authorities continue their assessments in the affected areas.